It has been a nice week here in the Midlands of South Carolina. The weather has been mild, which is a contrast to what they face in my Hoosier homeland. Miss the family and friends, but not the winter.
I have been attending the 3rd Reel Pan-Afrikan Film Festival in Columbia this weekend and last night went to a Raggae concert/party in honor of Bob Marley’s 66th birthday with some friends. It was a good time, good music and good for people watching.
It slays me to watch Rasta Wanna-Be’s.
Earth to fantasy people – come in please.
Bob Marley said, “None but ourselves can free our minds.” – stop living in a fantasy world. The Rastafarian movement was a freedom movement/back to Africa religion for the oppressed people of African descent. It is not a alternate reality for white middle class stoners. Accept and honor the good that has come out of it, but be who you are. It is a disservice to everyone.
“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” Bob Marley
I wrote a poem yesterday in honor of two friends who founded the 3rd Reel Pan-Afrikan Film Festival.
‘Poem on the Eve of Bob Marley’s 66th Birthday’
Awoke this morning
Rain upon the window
Syncopated music of ancient ways
Crying tears for the oppressed
Offering water for the thirsty
Looking for redemption on the way back to the sea
Bob Marley rose up in a poor village
Part Africa – part England – brewed in Jamaica
Strong coffee mixed with cream
Poured out as a wakeup for the world
Singing, “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right”
Fighting for survival
Armed with songs of freedom
Rhythmic swaying emancipates our minds
Wailing our harmonies
We dance towards the future
Looking for redemption on the way back to the sea
(A.E. Black, 02/05/11)
Written in tribute to the service of Sufia & Seitu Amenwahsu to the people of South Carolina
Hoosierinthelandofcotton's Blog 
6 comments
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February 6, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Linda
Bless you. May you feel the rain.
March 18, 2011 at 2:38 pm
Shivan
Interesting article. But you should not be judgmental of other people. One Love.
March 18, 2011 at 3:03 pm
hoosierinthelandofcotton
Shivan – everyone makes judgments it is how we decide to get up in the morning or what to eat or whether to take our next breath.
When someone lives in a fantasy world you do them a disservice by playing the game with them and it is a slap in the face to Rastafarians.
Again, I quote Bob Marley: “Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”
March 18, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Shivan
“So while you talk about me (them), someone else is judging you. Judge not before you judge yourself.” lyrics from Bob Marley – Judge Not (1962 before the Wailers were found)
March 18, 2011 at 3:49 pm
hoosierinthelandofcotton
When someone is playing in traffic I make the judgment to say ‘quit playing in traffic’ it is not healthy for you and when someone is behaving in an illogical manner I will call them on it.
June 5, 2011 at 10:58 pm
D
Ok. Fantasy world huh? When somebody puts on a baseball cap are they in a fantasy world? When somebody sings along with a song are they in a fantasy world?? Just because someone appreciates other cultures does not mean that they are living a fantasy. And just because some people dont understand and accept that, it does not mean that its illogical. It just means that you dont understand. Get over yourself for your way is no better.